Purpose: THE HVLT-R offers a brief assessment of verbal learning and memory (recognition and recall) for individuals 16 years and older. It is easy to administer and score and is well- tolerated even by significantly impaired individuals.

Overview: The HVLT-R requires recall of a series of 12 words over three learning trials, free recall after a delay, and a recognition trial.

Time: The assessment takes approximately 5-10 minutes with a 25-minute delay to complete and 2 minutes to score.

Psychometric Properties: The HVLT-R correlated most strongly with other tests of verbal memory and relatively weakly with a test of general intelligence. The construct validity of the HVLT-R has been shown relative to other standard list learning tasks, and it is sensitive to dementia. The HVLT-R has generally modest-to-low one-year test-retest stability for several key HVLT-R component process variables.

Epilepsy Specific: While the HVLT is classified as a level C test, we suggest will follow the precedent of MATRICS, the NIMH multicenter initiative that uses the HVLT to assess memory. For this CDE we suggest that there be a neuropsychologist at one of the participating centers of a clinical trial/multicenter investigation who will serve as the consultant to entire group for training, quality control, and interpretation of results. The individual research centers do not need to have a designated psychologist or neuropsychologist for data acquisition phase of the project.

Comment: Memory problems are a common complaint as well as objective impairment on mental status testing. Verbal list learning is a robust assessment technique. The HVLT is an easily administered 12-item 3 learning trial verbal learning test with delayed recall and recognition memory testing. Advantages of the HVLT include a large normative base and several alternative forms. The test and norms are available in the public domain (see suggested reference) but can also be purchased commercially—but as a “C level test” consultation with a psychologist is recommended.

References

Brandt J. The Hopkins Verbal Learning Test: development of a new verbal memory test with six equivalent forms. Clinical Neuropsychologist. 1991;5(2):125–142.